Tueadays Torch week 303

21Oct

Tuesday’s Torch

10/21/14

By: Tim Sader

Romans 15:7

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Last week we answered question one in the series about what to accept. We answered what do we accept and what don’t we accept in our own lives. We accept what is considered righteous and not what the world says is okay. The next question we will answer today is: Who do we accept and how do we accept them? We previously discussed that sometimes others are an influence to what we find acceptable. We are told to accept others so how can we guard ourselves from their influence. We are instructed to accept one another just as Christ accepted us in order to bring praise to God. This means when we accept others it brings praise to God. I think godly discernment helps us know who to accept and how we are to accept them. We should set a standard by living a godly lifestyle that can minister to the lost and edify believers. The bible clearly tells us to accept everyone because everyone deserves respect as a person who God loves. Jesus ate meals with the lowest of low sinners and tax collectors. He was chastised for doing so by the religious sect. Jesus told them he didn’t come for the religious but for sinners (Matthew 9:10-13). How could Jesus accept others who everyone avoided at all costs? It’s simple really He knew the reason why He was there; yet He had the will power and ability to say no to the wrong surrounding Him. When dealing with sinners we need to remember why we are there. We are there to love them and show them they are accepted by God not to participate in sin with them. We must set Christ as the standard of what is acceptable for us and He did not sin in the presence of sinners. With believers we are called to higher closeness so we can build each other up. We can be more open when we accept believers because we both are on the same team.

We should not be united together with sinners because righteousness and wickedness have nothing in common. We are the temple of God so how can we be paired up with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). David would not associate with liars and hypocrites; he abhorred evildoers and would not sit with wicked men (Psalm 26:4-5). Salomon says not to make friends with a hot-tempered person or we may learn to be like them (Proverbs 22:24-25). Also we should avoid talking what is ungodly because when we indulge in it we become more ungodly (2 Timothy 2:16). Does this mean we completely turn our backs on sinners? Surely not we still respect everyone and treat them the way we want to be treated. We share the love of God with them through our example, testimony and being kind to them. If they continue in their wickedness we cannot become united with them in friendship or we may learn to be like them. We must love and accept everyone but we cannot love their sin or become entangled it or we set the wrong example. Many believers have become entangled in sin and their faith is weak. We should not argue with them over debatable matters. Some people eat anything and some only eat vegetables; it’s not wrong to eat anything even when eating healthier is our preference. Forcing our own ways onto others is not up lifting; it is judgment and offends those who need building up (Romans 14:1-3). We know to love God but the second command is to love others as we love ourselves these are the greatest commands (Mark 12:31). If we accept others when God sends them we accept Christ and if we accept Him God will accept us (John 13:20).

Tuesdays Torch has expanded its reach by building our official website http://www.tuesdaystorch.com With the Daily Spark and Scripture Pictures we are further spreading the message of Christ. We have accepted the opportunity for Tuesday’s Torch to be in Redeemed the Magazine for prisoners. The founder and author of Tuesdays Torch Tim Sader, has spoken in church and has several speaking engagements lined up for the near future. We pray the words of every Torch will sink into the hearts and minds of readers. Please feel free to forward Tuesdays Torch and encourage others with it. Recently we partnered with leisurelane.wordpress.com please check it out and send them some love. Any ministries or blogs that would like to partner with Tuesdays Torch please let us know. We pray the Lord will touch every reader. All of what Christ did was so we would believe. He told us not to believe because of what He said but in what He did (John 14:11). Every Tuesday we talk a little more about what He did and what He is still doing. The best thing God has ever done was send His Son so we could be saved (John 3:16). If anyone is not a believer we pray they will meet the Lord. If anyone wants to make Jesus Christ their Savior send a message to: tuesdaystorch@gmail.com and we will pray together. Look out for next Tuesdays Torch on our website, by email, on Facebook as Tuesdays Torch or Twitter @tuesdaystorch Thanks and God Bless!

No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. Luke 8:16